Local lad in top-notch fastball!
The International Softball Congress, World Tournament will feature C.J. Esquimaux who will be playing for the Dundalk Smoke Under 23 team in Kitchener, starting this Thursday. Keep up with C.J. with some live-streaming at www.iscfastpitch.com.
Valuable, recipient, fundraiser
On September 15, there will be a double elimination, slow pitch tournament at Low Island to raise money for the Manitoulin Firefighters Association to help pay for training and equipment for firefighters all over the Island. Additionally, half of all the proceeds from this tournament will be going to the Manitoulin Fire Fund, which helps victims in the immediate aftermath of a fire, providing essentials like pajamas, blankets and food until insurance steps in.
The tournament is going to be a “one pitch” with 10 teams of 9-15 players. It will be a co-ed tournament, therefore there will be a minimum of four women on the field at all times for each team. Organizers intend for the event to be family oriented. We will have activities for children and a barbeque. The entry fee is just $150 per team plus a $25 donation per player. Each player will receive a meal and a tournament T-shirt. If you would like to register a team or even get involved, you can email them at manitoulin.ff.association@gmail.com for a registration form.
Summer, high level hockey
Kohyn Eshkawkogan has kept up his solid, summer play this past weekend and helped his 2008 Elite AAA “08’ers” team secure a championship at this weekend’s King of the Rings tournament held in various rinks across Toronto. This Elite AAA and AA tournament has some of the best players from across North America competing for the coveted Championship Ring that is provided to the overall divisional champions instead of medallions.
In the 2008 Elite “AAA” division, there were 8 teams wanting to come home with the NHL Stanley Cup styled ring. After letting up a goal with 10 seconds left and tying the powerhouse Montreal Snipers, the 08’ers went on to defeat the United Knights, tie the defending champions, WIHD, then defeated the Albany Capitals.
Not without its dramatics, the team lost its only goalie when he broke a finger in warmup against Albany. Having no choice, a player dressed as a goaltender and helped make some critical saves to secure a third place ranking and a “Ring Semifinal” game.
In the semifinals, after building a 4-1 lead, and having a goal called back, the team held on to a 4-3 final and a berth into the Ring Championship, where they would face the Montreal Snipers again.
After losing a key forward to a head injury in the first period, and a quick exchange of goals, the game was tied 1-1 going into the third after a scoreless second period. With the 08’ers taking the lead in the middle of the third, this tight checking game remained at 2-1 until the Snipers pulled off another miracle by pulling their goaltender and tying the game with 5.5 seconds left. This sent the game to 3 on 3 overtime.
To start the overtime, with a penalty previously assessed to the 08’ers, the Snipers had a 4 on 3 advantage. However, quickly into overtime, the 08’ers skated up the ice and put a high shot on net from just outside the blue line. It looked like it was sailing high but actually, hit the cross bar, and the Kings of the Rings were crowned.
Intermediate C Hockey League Reunion!
It has been 40 years since this league excited hockey on Manitoulin Island. The idea of a reunion was sparked by Debbie Debassige through her conversations with a few other Intermediate C players and fans. Debbie is looking for a group of individuals who would be interested in planning a reunion.
If you can assist with a reunion, please email Debbie Debassige at
intChockey@gmail.com.
A good sport is good for sports.
chipstoquips@gmail.com
